Key Takeaways
- Proton therapy may be an option for many cancer types, particularly those with defined borders that have not spread widely.
- Proton therapy may reduce radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue. Its physical properties allow the care team to concentrate radiation in the treatment area and limit the dose beyond it. Avoiding radiation to normal tissues can reduce side effects of treatment.
- Several factors determine whether proton therapy is a suitable option for patients. The tumor’s type, stage, and location, and the patient’s health are all considerations.
Proton therapy may treat many solid tumors, including cancers of the abdomen, brain and spine, breast, esophagus, head and neck, pelvis, and prostate, as well as pediatric cancers, sarcomas, thoracic cancers, and certain localized lymphomas. But understanding what type of cancer can be treated with proton therapy depends on the specific diagnosis, treatment goals, and individual circumstances—not the cancer type alone. This article explains what radiation oncologists consider when determining whether proton therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
What Makes Cancer Treatable With Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy uses a physical effect called the Bragg peak to deliver most of the beam’s radiation energy at a planned depth where the target is. This reduces radiation exposure outside of the treatment area compared with X-ray radiation. With proton therapy, healthy tissue receives about 50% less radiation than with x-ray therapy.
A radiation oncologist may consider proton therapy when:
- The treatment area is near sensitive organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, spinal cord, or eyes.
- Reducing radiation exposure to developing tissues is especially important, as in children.
- Prior radiation limits options for additional treatment.
These considerations do not determine eligibility on their own. The care team evaluates the potential benefits and risks for each patient.
Cancer Types That May Be Treated With Proton Therapy
Radiation oncologists may consider proton therapy for selected patients with the following cancer types and groups:
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Head and neck cancers
- Thoracic cancers, including lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Genitourinary cancers, such as prostate cancer
- Sarcomas
- Lymphomas
- Certain childhood cancers
For a full directory of conditions, see the complete list of cancers treated with proton therapy.
Is Proton Therapy an Appropriate Option?
No single factor determines whether proton therapy is the right choice for a given patient. Instead, a radiation oncologist weighs several considerations, including:
- The type, stage, size, and location of the tumor
- The tumor’s proximity to sensitive organs
- Any prior radiation to the same area
- The overall health of the patient and the goal of treatment
- The expected benefit and risks of proton therapy compared with other treatment options
- Implanted devices, such as a cardiac pacemaker or metal hardware, which can affect treatment planning
Insurance coverage and access to a proton therapy center can also affect treatment arrangements.
Proton therapy treats specific areas of the body rather than cancer throughout the body. In select cases, a radiation oncologist may consider it for individual sites of cancer that have spread (for example, to the liver or bone). Suitability depends on the overall treatment plan.
Like other forms of radiation therapy, proton therapy can cause side effects. A consultation with a radiation oncologist can help you understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives for your diagnosis.
Explore Proton Therapy at Emory Proton Therapy Center
Emory Proton Therapy Center, open since 2018, is part of Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. For anyone considering whether proton therapy is right for a diagnosis, Emory’s specialists can review the case and discuss the options available. Request a consultation to talk through the next steps with us.
Questions About Proton Therapy and Cancer Types
Can proton therapy treat all types of cancer?
No. Proton therapy may be an option for select patients with many cancer types, but it is not appropriate for every diagnosis or treatment situation. It treats specific areas of the body. Your radiation oncologist can determine whether it has a role in your overall treatment plan.
Is proton therapy better than X-ray radiation?
Neither approach is best for every patient. Proton therapy may reduce radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue compared with X-ray radiation, but that does not guarantee fewer side effects or better cancer control. Your radiation oncologist can explain which approach best fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Can proton therapy be used if cancer returns after previous radiation?
In select cases, proton therapy may be an option for cancer that returns in an area previously treated with radiation. The care team must review the earlier treatment and assess the risks of additional radiation before recommending a plan.
Can proton therapy be used for cancer in the spine?
Yes. Proton therapy may be an option for certain tumors in or near the spine. Treatment planning aims to deliver the prescribed dose to the treatment area while limiting radiation exposure to the spinal cord and other nearby healthy tissue. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, location, and previous treatments.
Is proton therapy covered by insurance?
Medicare and many plans cover proton therapy. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, diagnosis, and the insurer’s medical-necessity requirements. The financial team at Emory Proton Therapy Center will review your policy’s coverage requirements and potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment, which can be reviewed with you in more detail during consultation. Even if your diagnosis is not listed by your insurance plan, if there would be a significant benefit to proton therapy in your care, our team is experienced in appealing and often obtaining coverage. Learn more about cost and coverage.